Information about permits is provided as a courtesy to ATCC customers.

While we use reasonable efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information on this page, we make no warranties or representations as to its accuracy. ATCC is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Content of the site is subject to change without notice. Contact the appropriate regulatory agency for current requirements. Anyone purchasing ATCC cultures is ultimately responsible for obtaining permits.

ATCC Requirements

Certain strains and a few cell lines require one or more permits before distribution of the material can be made. Note: Customers are notified when orders are received without the necessary permits and given two months to supply the permit before the order will be cancelled. Permits can be faxed (703-365-2750) or mailed, ATCC, Sales Department, P.O.Box 1549 Manassas, VA 20108.

Potentially Highly Pathogenic Materials

To alert the user of potential risk, ATCC has designated certain materials as potentially highly pathogenic. ATCC requires a Customer Acceptance of Responsibility Form (11.1KB/.pdf) be completed and returned to ATCC before shipment of such materials can be made.

USA Requirements

PHS/CDC-Human etiologic agents and vectors

Certain materials require a permit issued by the Office of Public Health and Safety, CDC permit 0.728 for importation and distribution. You must use permit application form CDC 0.753. For information concerning regulations governing permit requirements and shipment of pathogens and vectors of human disease, please contact the Office of Health and Safety, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Mailstop A-46, Atlanta, GA 30333, telephone 404-718-2077; FAX 404-718-2093.

Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ):

Certain materials require a permit from the Plant Protection and Quarantine Office, Biological Assessment and Taxonomic Support, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, telephone 301-734-0841. They are designated by "USDA PPQ-526 permit required". Note: Effective January 1, 1999, permit applications are to be sent directly to USDA and they will forward them to the appropriate state plant regulatory officials.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The sale of any endangered wildlife is conditional on the issuance of a valid permit by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and will not be consummated until a permit is obtained from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

State of Hawaii Import Regulations

The importation of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae, and protozoans) and infectious cell lines into the State of Hawaii requires an import permit from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. It is the responsibility of the customer in Hawaii to obtain the permit and provide a copy to ATCC in advance of shipment. For further information refer to Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 4 Chapter 71, Non-Domestic Animal and Microorganism Import Rules and Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 150A. Additional questions and application requests should be referred to Ms. Amy Higa, Micro-Organisms Specialist; Plant Quarantine Branch; State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture; 701 Iialo Street, Honolulu, HI 96813-5524; telephone 808-973-9560.

Exportation of Materials from the U.S.

Canadian customers should refer to the information provided in the following section entitled "Canadian Requirements".
International customers should request any necessary import permits from their appropriate government agency and provide the import permits to the ATCC with their order.

The U.S. government requires an export license, issued by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, before shipment outside the U.S. for certain organisms. ATCC applies for an export license for these materials. Microorganisms on the Commerce Control List are distributed only within the United States. Microorganisms on the Commerce Control List are distributed only within the United States.

Canadian Requirements

Canada requires that all human, animal, and plant pathogens be accompanied by an import permit issued by the appropriate agency. Zoonotic pathogens require import permits from all agencies affected.

Shipping Requirements:

All shipments of infectious substances in Canada require compliance with Canadian Transport of Dangerous Goods Regulations. For details please consult Transport Canada website or you may call 613-990-1151.